Amid West Nile Outbreak, Greenwood Arranges Aerial Sprays

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Greenwood city officials have arranged aerial spraying to combat mosquitoes during the recent outbreak of West Nile Virus in Arkansas and surrounding states.

The spraying is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 10 at 11 p.m. and will last until the following morning at 5 a.m. Crews will spray again on Thursday, Sept. 13 beginning at 11 p.m. until the next morning at 5 a.m.

"We're taking the initiative to overcome the problem before it gets out of hand in our area," said Greenwood Mayor Del Gabbard.

Gabbard and other Greenwood city officials made arrangements through the city of Fort Smith for the spraying to be done.

“This would not be possible without the generous cooperation of Mayor Sandy Sanders and the dedicated team of employees at the Fort Smith Street Department,” said Mayor Gabbard, in a news release. “I am very appreciative of their efforts to assist the City of Greenwood in trying to keep the citizens of Greenwood safe.”

Fort Smith city limits was sprayed for mosquitoes most recently in August.

Any citizen with questions about the spray should call the Mayor’s Office at Greenwood City Hall (479) 252-0690.

At least three deaths from WNV have been confirmed in Arkansas. It was reported on Aug. 22. So far this year, there have been 35 cases of WNV in Arkansas, according to health officials.

The first death in Oklahoma was reported on Aug. 10. So far 55 cases have been reported in the state.

At least 41 deaths from WNV have been reported nationwide.

For more information, visit the Arkansas Department of Health’s website at: